How to Estimate Lumber Volume for a Small Framing Job
Calculate exactly how many board feet of lumber you need for a small shed, wall, or framing project.
Lumber is sold by the board foot (bf), which is a unit of volume, not length. One board foot is equivalent to 144 cubic inches. Woodworkers and lumber yards use this to price high-end hardwoods or large framing orders.
The Board Foot Formula (BF)
(Width in inches x Thickness in inches x Length in feet) / 12 = Board Feet per piece.
Nominal Dimensions
Remember that 'Dimensional Lumber' (like a 2x4) has a nominal size that is different from its actual size. This calculator uses nominal dimensions as that's how lumber is priced and sold at the yard.
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